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Alhama de Murcia celebrates its annual Los Mayos fiestas at the beginning of May, combining local traditions with entertainment and fun for the whole family, and after the enforced pandemic break this is now the second year in which the full version of events is scheduled and the atmosphere is guaranteed to be as festive as ever!
Throughout Spain and the rest of Europe, May Day is celebrated to herald the arrival of spring and of a period of fertility and abundance. Its roots lie firmly in the pagan past, although it was gradually absorbed into the Christian faith as it became more widespread and many of its rituals were adapted to Christianity.
The May celebrations in Alhama de Murcia are called Los Mayos and were declared as being of National Tourist Interest in 2019 due in part to the unique traditions at their core. There are three distinct elements of the celebrations in Alhama which have evolved to become a singular fiesta within the region, one which not only attracts thousands of visitors from the Spanish community but is also very popular with expat visitors on account of its vibrancy and range of activities.
Las Cruces de Mayo
The roots of these traditions can be found in Pagan rituals which focused on the feminine and the relationship with the sacred female figure of fertility, Mother Nature or the Earth Goddess. Flowers represented fertility and abundance, and were used to adorn sacred places where people made offerings and gave thanks for the fruitfulness of the earth.
As Christianity spread these traditions were adapted to celebrate the Virgin Mary and in many parts of Spain she is honoured today with the Cruces de Mayo. These are crosses dressed with flowers, displayed with plants and religious tokens, and the tradition is an important part of the Alhama celebrations: beautifully decorated floral crosses are proudly displayed in homes and public places throughout the town, and can be visited and admired as part of the Los Mayos.
The Crosses are generally displayed early in the week and remain in place until the end of the fiestas.
La Plantá, the "planting" of figures
Again, this tradition has Pagan roots, with the symbolic burning and cleansing act of seeing out the old and bringing in the new. Representative figures would be made of whatever materials were available with symbolic messages which could be ‘cleansed" at the end of the festival as an act of renewal and regeneration.
There are many celebrations worldwide in which figures are used symbolically to represent this idea, and in Alhama the act of creating figures emerged into a tradition which dates back certainly to the beginning of the twentieth century and very probably much further.
Figures are made from fabric, stuffed with whatever is available (nowadays mainly straw), dressed and set in scenes which represent everyday life, so all around the town displays are created which show residents involved in traditional activities; sitting sewing outside their houses, working in their gardens, or just chatting to one another.
They're charming, homely and often satirical, as many bear posters which poke fun at local political figures, confront topical issues and put across a point of view about social subjects, airing them in a way which makes an otherwise uncomfortable topic a point of discussion.
The displays are hidden away from public view until the day of the Plantá on the Saturday, and then Sunday is dedicated to visiting them on foot, on board the tourist train or even by bicycle.
Maps can be picked up from the Tourist office, where tickets are on sale for just 1 euro for the tourist train (which runs in a continuous loop from outside the tourist office).
Tickets can only be purchased on the day of the Mayos and the train stops running for lunch.
The Corremayos
These too have pagan roots, in that the young men of a town used to go out early and dress the homes of the girls with flowers, tending to roam around together on May Day causing havoc.
In Alhama this tradition has evolved into the Corremayos, who dress in harlequin jester costumes as they visit the “planted” figures. As in most fiestas, they carry out a “Pasacalles” parade, in which they are accompanied by musicians.
There are two of these parades in Alhama, on the Saturday night and the Sunday morning, and it’s well worth going along to see the explosion of colour as they fill the streets with noise and celebration. Don’t worry about costumes - there are usually a few on sale for those who don´t have one!
Locations
The Plaza de la Constitución is the centre of most activities and is also home to the tourist office and Town Hall. Opposite them is the Parque La Cubana, in the centre of which is the Auditorio Municipal (an open-air auditorium).
The main fairground is now located on in the western edge of Alhama in the Nueva Espuña area: click for map.
There is parking beneath the Plaza del Ayuntamiento but it’s likely to be busy: often it’s easier to park behind the Parque de la Cubana and walk through it.
The full program of events during the 2023 Los Mayos fiestas in Alhama de Murcia is as follows:
Friday April 28
18.00: An exhibition opens at the Casa de la Cultura entitled “Mayeando con los Corremayos Mayores”, displaying all of the honorary “Corremayos Mayores” of recent times. The exhibition can be visited until May 7 on weekdays from 17.00 to 21.00 and at weekends from 11.30 to 14.00 and from 17.00 to 21.00.
18.00: The fairground attractions open in the Recinto Ferial until midnight (late opening until 2.00 am on the eve of major events). The fair remains in place until May 14.
Saturday April 29
10.00: The jury tour the town to judge the balcony and window decorations.
20.00: Official reception at the Los Baños archaeological museum for the folk music and dancing groups taking part in the 39th Festival Nacional de Folklore Los Mayos.
21.30: The folk music festival itself begins at the Auditorio Municipal. Those taking part are the Grupo de Coros y Danzas San Antón (of the Peña La Zaranda in Murcia), Grupo de Coros y Danzas de Alcázar from Alcázar de San Juan in Ciudad Real), Grupo Folklórico Nuestra Señora de La Alegría from Monzón in the province of Huesca and the local Grupo Folklórico Villa de Alhama.
Wednesday May 3, May Cross Day
16.00: The jury visit the May Crosses competing for prizes. Crosses can then be visited during the afternoon.
18.30: Free guided tour of the competing Crosses on the tourist train, starting at the Auditorium. Prior booking at the Oficina de Festejos in the Casa de la Cultura (968 631985).
22.00: Traditional musical tribute to the May Crosses, performed by the Grupo Folklórico ‘Villa de Alhama’ at Calle Alfonso X el Sabio, 35.
Thursday May 4
CHILDREN’S DAY! From 18.00 to midnight a 2-for-the-price-of-1 offer on fairground attractions at the Recinto Ferial.
Friday May 5
17.00: The Los Mayos Zoco Market opens in the Plaza de la Constitución, remaining in place until May 7. Open Friday 17.00 to 21.00, Saturday and Sunday 11.00 to 21.00.
18.30: Free guided tour of the competing May Crosses on the tourist train, starting at the Auditorium. Prior booking at the Oficina de Festejos in the Casa de la Cultura (968 631985).
20.00: Children’s theatre, Un Poco Loco at the Auditorio Municipal. Admission free of charge.
21.45: The 22nd annual Alhama en Concierto folk music festival features the groups Mayalde and Malagatos in the atrium of the church of San Lázaro.
Saturday May 6
10.30: Guided tour of the competing May Crosses on the tourist train, starting at the Auditorium. Prior booking at the Oficina de Festejos in the Casa de la Cultura (968 631985).
15.00 to 18.00: The Mayos tableaux are set up in the streets, squares and gardens of Alhama de Murcia. See them while they are being created and enjoy the tradition first hand, or leave it till later – they’re there all evening and all night!
The tourist train rides also begin at 15.00, starting at the Auditorio, and continue until 20.00. Price 1 euro.
18.30: Latin rhythms masterclass in the Plaza de la Constitución: dress up in Corremayo costume to add to the fun!
18.30: Corremayo make-up workshop for children in the Plaza de la Constitución.
18.45 to 20.45: Mayos 2023 badges are given out outside the tourist office.
19.00: Corremayo stilts workshop for children in the Plaza de la Constitución.
20.00: Dance performances by the Paso a Paso academy in the Avenida de la Constitución.
21.00: Presentation in the Plaza de la Constitución of the 2023 Corremayo Mayor (the head Corremayo), an award given this year to the “Pasajeros al Tren” group.
21.15: The first Corremayos parade is accompanied by live music from MALVARICHE, with thousands of people dressed in their colourful jester outfits. Route: Avenida de la Constitución, La Feria, Corredera, San Francisco Javier, Constantino López, Colón, Ernest Lluch, Miguel Ángel Blanco and the new fairground.
23.45: Los Mayos concert by the group Canijo de Jerez at the new fairground.
1.00: Los Mayos DJ festival with performances by GROOVE KIDS, TACHMAN, JOTA MARO, at the new fairground.
Sunday May 7, Los Mayos Day
This is the day on which the all of the tableaux are already “planted” in the squares, streets and gardens of Alhama de Murcia.
10.00: THE MAYOS TRAIN: the tourist train offers tours of the Mayos around the town throughout the day from 10.00 to 20.00, starting at the Auditorio Municipal. Price 1 euro.
10.00: The tourist office opens all day to provide information, maps, posters, programs and the Los Mayos 2023 badges.
10.00: The judges tour the MAYOS to decide on the winners.
10.30: The Los Mayos Cuadrillas (folk music and dancing groups) arrive and set out from the Plaza de la Constitución to visit the Mayos during the morning. Groups taking part are from La Costera, El Berro, Aledo, Mula and La Albatalía-La Arboleja.
10.35: The Corremayos set off for another parade around the Mayos, accompanied by the musical charanga of "Poya-vés". The parade starts in Plaza de la Constitución, and along the route invitations will be handed out to Corremayos dressed in costume to be given priority during the scrum for free paella at lunchtime!
11.00, 12.00 and 13.00: Children’s dance performances in the Plaza de la Constitución.
14.30: The giant paella is prepared and consumed in the Parque de la Cubana, with priority being given to those in Corremayo costume during the parade.
17.00: The Cuadrillas Festival begins in the Plaza de Abastos. 17.00 Cuadrilla de El Berro, 17.30 Cuadrilla de Aledo, 18.00 Prizes are awarded for the best Mayos, May Crosses and balcony decorations, 18.30 Cuadrilla de Mula, 19.00 Cuadrilla de La Albatalía-La Arboleja, 19.30 Cuadrilla de La Costera.
17.30: Los Mayos en Bici, a bike ride around the Mayos on display, organized by the Club Ciclista Sierra Espuña, starting in the Plaza de la Constitución. Get in the saddle and enjoy a healthy end to the fiestas!
Wednesday May 9
11.00: Free guided tour IN ENGLISH of the Roman and Moorish baths at the Los Baños Archaeological Museum. Click here for further information.
Thursday May 11
CHILDREN’S DAY returns! From 18.00 to midnight a 2-for-the-price-of-1 offer on fairground attractions at the Recinto Ferial.
Friday May 12
20.00: An exhibition opens at the El Pósito centre of paintings by pupils at the María José Hermosilla academy. Open until June 2.
The weekend of the 31st annual Los Mayos Custom Motorcycle Rally begins at the new fairground:
18.00: Official opening.
21.00: Those registered enjoy dinner with locally sourced products.
22.30: Live music from “La Trama” at the fairground.
Midnight: DJ Pepe Medina.
Saturday May 13
11.00: Rescue the Time Traveller, a gymkhana activity for children aged 7 and over accompanied by an adult. Prior booking is required at the tourist office (968 633512). Click here for further information.
17.00: The motorcycle rally continues with live music from Traspié at the fairground.
18.00: More live music from Marcos Elvis at the fairground.
19.30: Those registered in the motorcycle weekend are offered a tour of the Guadalentín valley the Primafrío plant and a snack along the way.
21.30: More live music from Atlantist and Vocal Harmonist at the fairground.
22.30: Live music from The Tracks at the fairground.
Midnight: Live concert by Seguridad Social at the fairground.
2.00: DJ Pepe Medina.
Sunday May 14
11.00: Live music from Marcos Elvis at the fairground.
12.00: Live music from Los Happies at the fairground.
12.30: Lunch for those registered in the rally weekend.
13.30: Marcos Elvis returns to the stage.
14.00: Carlos García Gil of Custom Alhama is at the bar!
16.00: The motorcycle weekend officially ends.
Thursday May 18, Museums Day
20.00: Presentation of the restored guitar of Josefa Martínez “La nena de la burrucha”, which will be played by Juan José Robles at the Museo Arqueológico Los Baños. Admission free.
Sunday May 21
10.30: Free dramatized tour of the town centre. Prior booking is required at the tourist office (968 633512).
20.00: Choral concert organized by the Coro Audite Omnes (Alhama de Murcia).
Alhama de Murcia Tourist information office is located on the edge of the Plaza de la Constitución, just a few metres away from the underground car park and the Town hall of Alhama de Murcia.
The tourist office offers free guided audiotours in English which take visitors around the historical sites of interest in Alhama. These be loaned at any time, although allow an hour and a half to complete the tour, and when loaning the audio equipment visitors are asked to leave passports or ID cards with the tourist office.
The office also carries a full range of leaflets for the archaeological museum of Los Baños, which is built around the historic spa which gives Alhama its name, and the mountains of Sierra Espuña, which is also an important area within the municipality of Alhama. Areas such as El Berro and Gebas have a number of interesting routes which can be followed and there are several picnic areas and good walking routes within the Sierra Espuña natural park.
The tourist office also carries leaflets for the many cultural events and fiestas which take place in Alhama throughout the year, including Los Mayos, Semana Santa, Christmas,the Romería of La Candelaria and the Auto de los Reyes Magos in El Berro.
For more local information, including news and forthcoming events, visit the home page of Alhama Today.
